What do you think of when I say ‘Jurassic Park’? Lex and Tim being pursued in the kitchen by velociraptors? John Williams’s musical score soaring during dinosaur chase scenes? That phenomenal scene at the end where the banner floats down around the roaring T-Rex?
That movie was great, wasn’t it? If you enjoyed it, I recommend the book the movie was based on, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. The book follows the same basic premise as the movie. Billionaire John Hammond has built a new theme park on the island of Isla Nublar inhabited by genetically created dinosaurs. To prove to his investors that the park is safe, Hammond invites a group of scientists and his grandkids to explore the park. Dinosaurs, of course, do not listen to or abide by rules. Chaos ensues.
There are similarities between the book and the movie – Malcolm still expounds on chaos theory, Dennis still commits corporate espionage, and the T-Rex is still the coolest dinosaur around. But the differences make the book into a different sort of story. There are small differences that don’t affect the narrative too much. Lex and Tim’s ages are swapped, and Alan Grant likes kids from the start. The main gist of the story is still, do we have the right to bring these creatures back? How far is too far for the almighty buck?
For me, the major difference is the character of John Hammond. Book Hammond is not the grandfatherly type that Richard Attenborough portrayed. Book Hammond uses manipulation, blackmail, and threats to create the dinosaur island theme park of his dreams. Movie Hammond was adamant that the park would be available to children and families from every economic level. Book Hammond saw only dollar signs, proclaiming he was making a park for rich kids. After multiple injuries and deaths, he convinced himself that everyone else is to blame for the failure of Jurassic Park, If he’d had better employees, the park would have been a success. I won’t spoil the ending. I will just say, it is not Doctor Grant smiling gently at a flock of pelicans.
This book was published in 1990, so some of the technology will seem outdated. Nobody has a cell phone! We barely knew what they were. But I still recommend Jurassic Park, especially as a poolside read. Remember, life finds a way!
Side note: I just realized that this book will be 32 years old this year! The fact we still talk about it and the new movie is a highly anticipated June release is a lasting testament to the late Michael Crichton’s talents.
Either my husband or sister pointed out the changes in the John Hammond character. I never liked the movie. Maybe I would like the book.
Usually I read the book before I see the movie. This time I read the book a few years after the movie. I really enjoy Griffin’s style of writing so i recommend it. You can never go wrong with dinosaurs!